Lilly Acquires Orna Therapeutics to Boost Cell Therapy Innovations
Eli Lilly and Company has entered a definitive agreement to acquire Orna Therapeutics, a biotechnology firm based in Watertown, Massachusetts. This strategic acquisition, announced on February 9, 2026, aims to enhance Lilly’s capabilities in cell therapy innovations, particularly focusing on treatments for B cell-driven autoimmune disorders.
Lilly’s Acquisition of Orna Therapeutics
The agreement allows Lilly to acquire Orna for up to $2.4 billion. This total includes an upfront payment with further disbursements contingent upon the achievement of specific clinical development milestones. Lilly plans to reflect this transaction in its financial results and guidance upon closing.
Innovations in Cell Therapy
Orna Therapeutics champions a new class of therapeutics designed with engineered circular RNA and novel lipid nanoparticles. This groundbreaking approach enables patients’ bodies to create cell therapies aimed at treating underlying diseases. Orna’s lead candidate, ORN-252, is a clinical trial-ready CAR-T therapy targeting CD19, which is intended for B cell-driven autoimmune diseases.
- Lead Program: ORN-252 (CAR-T therapy targeting CD19)
- Focus: B cell-driven autoimmune diseases
- Technology: Engineered circular RNA paired with lipid nanoparticles
The potential of Orna’s circular RNA platform is significant. Early research indicates it may offer more durable protein expression compared to existing therapies, which could lead to novel treatment options that are not feasible with traditional RNA or cell therapies.
Expert Insights
Dr. Francisco Ramírez-Valle, Senior Vice President at Lilly, emphasized the promise of cell therapies for autoimmune patients. However, he acknowledged the complexity and cost associated with ex vivo treatment methods. “They make it challenging to deliver these breakthroughs to a broader patient population,” he noted.
The acquisition aligns with Lilly’s commitment to pioneering innovative therapeutics. Joe Bolen, CEO of Orna, expressed enthusiasm about combining their technology with Lilly’s expertise in patient-centric therapeutics.
Corporate Partnerships
In terms of legal and financial counsel, Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP represents Lilly, while Lazard is advising Orna. Goodwin Procter LLP also supports Orna in this transaction.
About Lilly and Orna Therapeutics
- Lilly: A leader in scientific innovation aimed at improving global health, focusing on diseases like diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and various immune disorders.
- Orna Therapeutics: Focused on revolutionizing RNA medicine with their oRNA® technology, offering advantages in production and protein expression.
This acquisition stands to significantly advance Lilly’s pipeline in genetic medicine and in vivo cell engineering, ultimately aiming to provide new therapeutic solutions for patients in need.
